A CAVE overlooking Dorset’s Purbeck coast will be the setting for Dinner on the Rocks, presented by renowned chef Allegra McEvedy MBE.

The event, on Saturday September 19, will raise funds for the national charity Brain Tumour Research in memory of Ben Whitehouse who was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2010 and passed away three years later, aged 34.

Ben and Allegra were life-long friends. They grew up on the same road in Hammersmith, London, and stayed in touch after he moved to Dorset.

Starting with dishes inspired by the couple’s honeymoon in Cambodia, there will also be a main course of local beef, slow barbecued on the rocks, and an interactive dessert course.

With its stunning coastal location at Worth Matravers, the evening will also include gypsy jazz from The Schmoozenbergs, a raffle and sponsored auction.

Allegra is well-known for her broadcasting and writing work and is currently filming a BBC series to be broadcast before Christmas.

She said: “Ben was beloved to me and I still have his photo, along with one of my daughter, at home on my fridge.

"Our friendship was lifelong and we stayed in touch over the years including when he moved to Worth Matravers which he loved so much."

Ben's wife Rachel, 35, of Pilning, Bristol said: “We got engaged when Ben went into remission but, within days of returning from our honeymoon, he became ill once more.

“We were married for just 15 months. Although filled with hospital visits, Ben’s fighting spirit helped ensure we lived as normal a life as was possible. Ben was 34 when he died, that is not normal and should not be normal. Please join us for dinner and help us fund the fight.”

Tickets are £70 for a glass of bramble fizz and canapés on arrival followed by three courses (including half a bottle of wine per head) plus petits fours to finish.

To book your places, or volunteer to help at the event, email dorsetcaveparty@gmail.com or call Rachel on 07984 172 255. You can make a donation via Just Giving at www.justgiving.com/Dinner-on-the-Rocks